Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925
THF99124
Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925
Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925
THF99125
Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925
Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925 (back)
THF99126
Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925 / back
Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925 - Thumbnail
Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925 - Thumbnail
Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925 (back) - Thumbnail

Mechanical Valentine in the Shape of a Dog, "A Token of Affection," circa 1925

Summary

The custom of sending messages of affection on February 14 dates back to Roman times, when mid-February was a time to meet and court prospective mates. The earliest American valentines were labors of love, handmade by the sender. The spread of commercially produced valentines in the second half of the nineteenth century made sending and receiving Valentine's Day cards a more lighthearted activity.

The custom of sending messages of affection on February 14 dates back to Roman times, when mid-February was a time to meet and court prospective mates. The earliest American valentines were labors of love, handmade by the sender. The spread of commercially produced valentines in the second half of the nineteenth century made sending and receiving Valentine's Day cards a more lighthearted activity.

Artifact

Valentine

Date Made

circa 1925

Subject Date

circa 1925

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

Germany 

Creator Notes

Created in Germany by an unidentifed maker

Keywords

United States, Michigan, Iron River 

Greeting cards 

Mechanical works 

Valentines 

Dogs 

Valentine's Day 

Duff, Virginia Fredlund, ca. 1908- 

Collection Title

Greeting Card Collection 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2008.103.12

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Virginia Kent Graybill

Material

Metal
Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Die cutting

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 5.5 in  (irregular)

Width: 2.75 in  (irregular)

Inscriptions

Printed on center heart: A token / of / Affection

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More